On Saturday I had two jobs to go to that required me to be in two very different locations and lots of driving.

First off, I had been invited to paint at the Hatch Company picnic held at the farm at the University of British Columbia. I must say, the setting was beautiful and the weather amazing. I had never been to that area before so it was a new experience for me. Pacific Spirit Park is stunning! I shall definitely be taking the boys there soon for hiking and biking! The farm is open to the public and has a market garden and shop onsite for pick-your-own fruit and veg. We were outside in a field and the weather was warm enough for the kids to use the fantastic paddling pool the company had set up. There was a BBQ and tents set up for families, volleyball and even an inflatable horse race! The atmosphere was so relaxed and friendly and that translated in my paintings. I really had fun with the kids painting my usual designs but also had a chance to paint some old favourites (Tahitian Sunset) and some totally new ones too. A little boy of 3 was waiting very patiently to be painted and kept saying "Superwhy". I had no idea who 'Superwhy' was or what he looked like and was worried that I wouldn't be able to give him what he wanted as no-one else really knew either. His mum said that it was like a green superhero eye mask but I really wanted to see an image before I painted, to make sure that he would recognise it. So...I get out my handy dandy iPhone and do a google image search for Superwhy right there, in the middle of the field (I love my iPhone!) and here's what I found! I was able to re-create the simple design and he was so pleased. His eyes lit up and that really made my day. His mum and Grandma appreciated it too I think. I also painted a few teenage girls which was nice as I had time to really elaborate and embellish each design to make them unique - even a tribal tattoo on a girls shoulder. I'm just sorry I didn't take more photos for you!

Then it was on to a mall in Richmond. Again, a place I'd never been to (so far in my Canadian travels), to paint at a little girl's 4th birthday party inside the Fun4kidz playzone in the Aberdeen Centre Mall. WOW! I have never seen such a huge mall before, I didn't really take it in from the outside but, wow! It's huge and like what I imagine a mall in Japan or Hong Kong would be like. I really felt like I was in another country and a bit out of place with my costume and painted face! After I had parked, eaten some much needed lunch (at 4pm and I hadn't eaten since breakfast!) I went in search of the washrooms (again, very much needed!) to clean my brushes and sponges from earlier and touch up my face which had melted a bit. I also had time to grab a coffee with Sylvia (the balloon lady) who was also working at the party (we make a great team!)

The little girl had invited 20+ friends, their parents and some neighbours so it was a jam packed venue. But the atmosphere was jovial, relaxed and friendly and they all had a great time. I felt very welcomed and included which means so much. The hosts insisted that I eat and the owner, William of Fun4kidz, kept Sylvia and I hydrated with bottles of water throughout the evening. At one point I got up and painted an Uncle as Batman as it was his birthday too and I walked around painting flowers on grandmothers! All in all, the hosts were very happy and had a great time as well as the kids. How do I know? I got a hug from the little girl's dad! Thanks Sylvia for all your hardwork - the balloon decoration was awesome!!!

I had an exhausting day but a very memorable one. I gave out lots of business cards and met many lovely faces. Needless to say, I picked up a bottle of red at 9pm that night and was pleased I had a free Sunday the next day. Talk soon x